Dozens of Licking County organizations will receive funds for community-oriented projects and development from $1 million in grant funding from the United Way of Licking County for 2025.
Nearly 40 organizations and programs tackling issues like homelessness, mental healthcare, food insecurity, transportation and childcare in Licking County will benefit from those grant funds, United Way told The Reporting Project.
“The work these programs do is truly remarkable,” Deb Dingus, executive director of United Way Licking County, said in a press release announcing the funding. “We are proud to support their efforts, and together, we can make meaningful progress toward addressing some of the most pressing issues our community faces.”
The funding announcement was made as part of United Way’s ongoing efforts to connect local needs with essential resources. The latest round of grants went to long-standing programs like Camp O’Bannon and the YMCA, as well as new initiatives and groups.
That $1 million was distributed to 39 organizations that support mental and physical health services in Licking County, childcare and early education programs, transportation organizations, reproductive healthcare, the Licking County Library and environmental groups.
$25,000 has been allocated to Licking County Transit to improve access to essential services, which recently announced a new route that will connect Newark and Heath.
Additionally, the Behavioral Healthcare Partners of Central Ohio — an organization that offers neighborhood homeless outreach and school intervention programs — has been able to expand their school intervention program to provide mental health services directly to students using these funds. Big Brothers, Big Sister has also been expanding in the area and will be using funds to increase staffing and their lunch buddies program.
“It’s always exciting to see progress and know that the investments we make can turn into something really impactful,” said United Way of Licking County Community Impact Director Cory Stutes.
Catholic Social Services’ program Little Blessings, which focuses on helping new parents with infants, is being brought to Licking County because of funding from United Way.
Other organizations that received grants include: Action for Children; the American Red Cross; Canal Market District and Enterprise Hub; Family Health Services of East Central Ohio; Friends of Licking County Library; Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland; Licking County Aging Partners; Licking County Alcoholism Prevention Program (LAPP); Licking County Children and Families First Council; Licking County Community Center for 60+ Adults; Licking County HOPE; Mental Health of America of Licking County; Pathways of Central Ohio; the Salvation Army; the Simon Kenton Council of the Boy Scouts of America; The Woodlands; Together We Grow; and Whole Living Recovery.
“The variety of programs receiving funding showcases the United Way’s commitment to addressing the full spectrum of needs within Licking County,” according to the press release. “For example, the grant to Licking County Transit supports its Deviated Fixed Routes, an essential service providing reliable and flexible transportation to residents. This service ensures that individuals, especially those without access to private vehicles or who live in underserved areas, can reach critical destinations such as work, school, healthcare facilities, and grocery stores.”
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United Way of Licking County is run by a staff of five full and part-time employees, as well as numerous volunteers. For 92 years, the organization has been committed to supporting and importing the local community by prioritizing behavioral health, services for children, youth, and families, and addressing poverty and homelessness. It is the 14th-largest United Way branch in Ohio by budget size.
The organization has three main focuses: fundraising, volunteerism and advocacy through teaching, convening and public policy — what Dingus called the “three legs of our stool.”
United Way also manages specific funding sources like Women United’s project grants and emergency funds for food and shelter programs. During COVID-19, the organization received $300,000 in Cares Act funding to offer hygiene supplies in the community.
“We’ve been able to start hygiene [programs] in five local schools and four more in the works,” Dingus said. “Our goal is to be in every school district.”
United Way aims to connect with local individuals and organizations by regularly attending committee meetings in the area.
“We work not just with local social service agencies and providers, but also public sector government committees so that we know a full picture of Licking County and where to direct our energy,” Stutes said. “Grant distribution is only about a third of our work, overall.”
In late October, the United Way of Licking County hosted a community conversation about homelessness and housing in the county — in part as a response to recent legislation passed by the Newark City Council that introduces criminal penalties and fines against people sleeping on public property. Council hearings about the controversial ordinance were well-attended by people both for and against the measure, and Dingus stressed the importance of continuing the conversation in search of “creative solutions.”
United Way has also recently received a grant from Microsoft to establish new program initiatives in the organization. United Way is now able to provide upskilling and career coaching services and develop programs to address housing needs in Licking County.
“There are a lot of programs that would not survive without United Way funding,” Stutes said. “We hope to take some of the financial burdens off these organizations and enable them to do more crucial work.”
Selah Griffin writes for TheReportingProject.org, the nonprofit news organization of Denison University’s Journalism program, which is supported by generous donations from readers. Sign up for The Reporting Project newsletter here.